Kaplan Aspect San Francisco

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1 Kaplan Aspect San Francisco Welcome to. The school has a vibrant and lively atmosphere, a comprehensive range of Kaplan Aspect courses, first-class learning facilities and is in a great location in downtown San Francisco. San Francisco is one of the world's most beautiful and sophisticated cities. Silicon Valley, Pacific Heights, Victorian mansions and modern surroundings all make San Francisco a year-round destination for tourists. With a population of 700,000 and more than 5 million in the whole Bay Area, San Francisco is a lively and openminded city which is very popular with international language students. The Bush Street building was built in the 1970s and was established there in The school is located on the 5th floor of this modern 10-floor office building and there is a patio on the 6th floor, which is available for student use. The school is located in the centre of the city, next to the financial district, China Town and downtown shops. ALCATRAZ FORT MASON FISHERMAN S WHARF PIER 39 COIT TOWER SAN FRANCISCO BAY LAFAYETTE PARK CHINA TOWN TRANSAMERICA PYRAMID BUILDING Kaplan Aspect Educational Programs in the USA are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. KAPLAN ASPECT RESIDENCES UNION SQUARE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART BAY BRIDGE Kaplan Aspect is a member of AAIEP (American Association of Intensive English Programmes), TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) and NAFSA (Association for International Educators). SAN FRANCISCO 530 Bush Street Suite 500, San Francisco CA USA 1

2 School Facilities Classrooms There are 8 classrooms which are bright and airy. All rooms are complete with whiteboard, CD or cassette player. TVs, VCRs, a DVD player and an overhead projector are also available. All classrooms can accommodate up to 15 students. Multimedia and IT centre There are computers in the multimedia centre along with a collection of learning software for students use. The multimedia centre is a great place to utilize technology to maximize your learning. Multimedia centre Kaplan Aspect classroom Library We have an extensive library available for your use which stocks text books, self-study materials, magazines and some paperbacks. The library/study hall is also used for graduation ceremonies and parties, so it is available for use by students as a common room. Student Lounge We have a student lunch room where you can relax and socialise. The lounge has tables, chairs, a microwave and notice boards. Cafeteria There is no cafeteria on the premises as there are many restaurants and cafés located very close to the school. Sports facilities Public parks can be used for sports. The Activities Coordinator can help with organising outdoor sports events. A swimming pool is available for use at the local YMCA and is open for laps 3 times each day. Gym facilities Students can join the local YMCA for indoor sports facilities. The YMCA has a weight room, basketball court, swimming pool and exercise room. It also offers some exercise classes ie. yoga and aerobics. Activities/Social Programme Kaplan Aspect plans a busy schedule of activities each month. Students may also purchase tickets to see the best college and professional teams in San Francisco playing basketball, baseball and football. There are weekend trips to Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles and Yosemite throughout the year as well. Other attractions in San Francisco include the famous Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful city. Your first day On the first day of your course you need to report to the school by 9.00am Your first day will be a Monday unless there is a national holiday on the Monday - in which case your first day will be Tuesday. Your course will begin with an all-day introduction, which will include: A welcome talk by the School Director A Placement Test to determine the level of the course you require Information about your classes Information about the TOEFL and TOEIC exams Information about the school and area An overview of school activities and excursions A tour of the school Completion of forms and collection of any outstanding payments Please bring the following with you: Passport and I-94 form (given to you at US Immigration) I-20 form (if you have an F-1 visa) Proof of Health Insurance USD 50 book deposit All your Kaplan Aspect documents and a pen and paper for note-taking purposes. On the second day you will receive information about your class schedule, classroom number, study level, elective course, and the hours you are to attend class. You will be assigned the most appropriate class for your level of English. 2

3 Local Information Transport - buses and trains Bus stops and bus links can be found within 1-3 blocks from the school. The nearest train station is a 10 minute bus journey away. Banks and Post Office Banks are located less than a 10 minute walk from the school. A Post Office is located within 5 minutes walking distance of the school. Restaurants and cafes A variety of restaurants and cafés are located less than 5 minutes walk away. Department stores and supermarkets Department stores such as Macy s are within three blocks of the school. The closest supermarket is Cala-Food which is approximately a 15-minute walk away. Telephone and Internet Cafe There is a telephone that you can use at the school and public telephones are located on nearby streets. An Internet Cafe is located less than a block away. The school has free wireless internet access Golden Gate bridge Kaplan Aspect students playing volleyball Church / Mosque A Catholic church is next door to the school and an inter-faith church can be found 5 blocks from the school. A Mosque is located 10 blocks away Reception Sample Activities Schedule San Francisco school entrance Please note that this is a sample programme and activities may change. See a current activities schedule at: Cost of Living Approximate prices in USD Sandwiches: $4.00 Salad bowl: $5.00 Hot meal: $7.00 Drinks: $2.00 Tickets Cinema: $10.00 Bus: One-way trip $ month pass $45.00 Week one Monday Welcome new students! Tuesday Movie day Wednesday Bicycle trip over Golden Gate Bridge Thursday Visit the SF Moma Friday Bowling evening Saturday Visit to Alcatraz Week two Monday Picnic in Golden Gate Park Tuesday Visit to the Cable Car Museum Wednesday Tour of UC Berkeley Thursday Trip to the Exploratorium Friday Tour of Haight Street Saturday Excursion to Los Angeles 3

4 The Team Kaplan Aspect School San Francisco School Director/ Housing Coordinator: Tom Reavely As School Director, Tom can help you with any visa or financial issues as he is responsible for the business side of the school. Tom can also help you if you have any questions regarding your accommodation. Activities Coordinator/ Teacher: Jon Pitt Jon is the Activities Coordinator and organises a range of exciting and varied activities for students to participate in every month. If you have any questions or suggestions about an activity, you can talk to Jon. Academic Director: PJ Moore Journey is responsible for the coordination of courses. If you have a query about your class or would like to gain more information about a Kaplan Aspect course, contact Journey. Student Services Coordinator: Bree Doan Please speak with Bree if you have any questions regarding public transportation, medical assistance, settling into San Francisco or other general matters. Course Information Courses Vacation English General English Intensive English English for Business TOEFL ibt and Academic English igmat igre General Academic Year Intensive Academic Year General Academic Semester Intensive Academic Semester Services University Placement Internship 4

5 Transfer Information Kaplan Aspect transfers Students should fly to San Francisco International Airport ((SFO) located about 30 minutes from San Francisco. If you have paid for the Transfer Service, a Greeter holding a Kaplan Aspect sign with your name on it will meet you outside the Customs Hall exit (international flights), or at the Baggage Claim area (domestic flights). You should look carefully for the greeter in both of these locations. If you do not see the greeter, you should go to the Information Desk and say Page Roger with OEC, and the Greeter will come to find you. roof terrace If there are any problems, you should call OEC on Toll Free, USA only; or for Japanese speakers Toll Free, USA Only; or (office phone); or (cell phone). If you have any flight changes, miss a connecting flight, or need help meeting the Transfer Service, you should call the school s emergency number at for help, and be prepared to tell them your name, school name () and location. Independent Transfers Super Shuttle approximately $17 ( % gratuity) Taxi approximately $40 (+ 15% gratuity). BART - $5.15 to downtown Valid from January Details may change. Published August